I ran a marathon about a month ago. When Camilla asked me to do a half marathon, I told her yes right away. It wasn´t until two weeks into our training that I looked it up to sign up. It was in the mountains of Cordoba and it was all up-hill. The last 7 kilometers were more down hill but from kilomete 7 up to 14 was completely up hill. Not only that but it was in Cordoba which is from 30 Celcius up to 40 degrees Celcius or 90-100 Farenheit. It was a crazy idea not worth doing. So from that point on, I did my best to convice her not to run this. I convinced her finally and we decided to go to Cordoba for fun. After a cold front came in, we realized that the weather would be only 20 Celcius or around 70 Farenheit. At this point, we decided to do it for fun.
We didn´t train very well for this half marathon but I had convinced myself it didn´t matter. When we started, we realized there was only 350 people signed up with only 21 girls besides us. It gave us a shock when we heard this. Also, we only had 2 hours and a half to finish it. In my marathon time, my half was 2 hours 20 minutes so up hill would change that. We started off fast because there were bikers behind us pushing us faster than our pace. The first 7 kilmeters were slowly uphill so we were doing ok at this point although we were the last runners. The bikers left us at this point and we now had cars behind us...so we were holding up traffic. I didnt care at first...but little by little it got to me. Camilla started to have breathing problems shortly after so I asked the guy in the car (it was called the escoba(broom) to clean us up or pick us up) if she could ride with them for a bit until she caught her breath and then get back in the race...we were only doing this for fun...they said yes so she got in.
I found it hard knowing that I was the very last runner and I alone, was holding up traffic. I was sweating soo much and had a huge stomach ache from eating too much. I pushed myself as hard and as far as I could. It was very difficult and worse than Prague. There were no hills in Prague. Although I ran twice as much, the marathon was so much easier than the race I was running in Cordoba. I would tell myself, you can do this, you can finish, just run to the kilometer marker 14 then, its down hill...(it was in the map of the race at least). When I got there, it didnt change-it was still uphill and my music died. I decided to throw in the towell. I quit. The guys in the car made me laugh and feel better about the race. They told me there are alot of people that quit during this race, it was the 3rd hardest half in all of Spain and the hardest half marathon in Andalucia. They were giving nic names to all the slowest runners and mine was orejas grandes-los españoles saben que significa pero no voy a traducirlo. Camilla´s was rubia.
It was quite interesting riding with the guys, they took a bathroom break and the ambulance pulled over so I decided to ride with them. I was dizzy but riding in the back of the ambulance, they didnt do anything and it made me more dizzy riding backwards with no windows. The other guy that quit was in there as well. I talked to him a bit-Tony and he told me he had ran 4 half marathons and a marathon but this was psycotic and not worth the pain. After another stop, I switched cars again so I could at least have wind in my face. When I reached the top, I went and got my bag with my shirt in it...it also had another shirt, shorts, a pen, two pins of Cordoba, and socks. There was a pool to swim in, free beer, free sandwiches, free aquarius and water. It was awesome but Camilla wasnt there and I felt like a loser because I really didnt finish the race.
Then all of a sudden, someone shouted my name. I thought I was mistaken but it was Camilla. We were so excited to see each other. She had gotten a ride up as well. I didnt know if she had or not because the guys in the car told me she turned around and walked back.
We laughed about not finishing, we ate, and even got a beer to celebrate trying to accomplish it. Then we got out of there as quick as we could...we were feeling a bit bad since we didn´t finish it. While we were waiting for the bus, the guys from my car offered us a ride back down to the city instead of the bus so we quickly took it. It was quite a funny experience with them and much more comfortable than the bus. When we got back, we showered, ate Salmorejo and some fried fish of Cordoba and headed home. Never again will I run that marathon but one day I will go and run another half marathon- just not as hard as this one.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Life goes on...
ok so I got up today cold. I slept on the balcony again. It was cold but I loved being able to wear my Prague sweatshirt and hide under my blanket which I haven´t been able to do for awhile. I only had one private lesson today before my boss had called me to do another. She is the reason I was able to stay in Spain for the summer. So I had to go to Málaga for it. I took this lesson in a second because everything counts now...I met with Tomás afterwards and now I´m back in the library. It is quite funny here-you cant talk at all in any part of the library. The girls phone went off next to me and everyone stared at her for over three minutes....I was laughing because the noise that her phone made because it had a message was quite annoying and the fact that everyone, i mean EVERYONE was watching her afterwards was quite halarious. It happens all the time in our libraries back home but no one pays attention or reacts the way the spaniards do.
Its been quite a while since Ive been in a place without foreigners but I am definately the only one here. Its a bit wierd but also, its just a library. I am trying to live life with a positive attitude and apply my life as THE SECRET tells you to. It was a fantastic book that helped me run a marathon, do things I never thought I would do and frankly, live life in a better way with a better attitude. I made up this list that I told myself i would finish or at least work on. 30 things to do before 30. Some guy gave me the idea and I put it into practice this year. It was quite overwhelming at first so I put the list down for a bit. Then I picked it back up some time later after THE SECRET and I realized I had been doing the things on the list without realizing. I believed the whole time, it would happen and it is. Interesting huh? I think so. It is amazing what I am learning this year. THE SECRET was the first book I read in Spanish. I completed it and picked up a new one.
There are a few things on my list that will be impossible to accomplish without returning to the States. I want to re-unite with Milda and see her in California but if I stay in Spain, that won´t happen. She is only there for another 3 years...maybe that. Life is full of hard decisions and I havent regreted mine yet. I just know that if I want stability, I will have to head back to the States. I don´t know what to do...Dad warned me about this...if I was gone too long, it would a difficult decision to make. How in the world did a 5 month break turn into 2 and a half years?
Its been quite a while since Ive been in a place without foreigners but I am definately the only one here. Its a bit wierd but also, its just a library. I am trying to live life with a positive attitude and apply my life as THE SECRET tells you to. It was a fantastic book that helped me run a marathon, do things I never thought I would do and frankly, live life in a better way with a better attitude. I made up this list that I told myself i would finish or at least work on. 30 things to do before 30. Some guy gave me the idea and I put it into practice this year. It was quite overwhelming at first so I put the list down for a bit. Then I picked it back up some time later after THE SECRET and I realized I had been doing the things on the list without realizing. I believed the whole time, it would happen and it is. Interesting huh? I think so. It is amazing what I am learning this year. THE SECRET was the first book I read in Spanish. I completed it and picked up a new one.
There are a few things on my list that will be impossible to accomplish without returning to the States. I want to re-unite with Milda and see her in California but if I stay in Spain, that won´t happen. She is only there for another 3 years...maybe that. Life is full of hard decisions and I havent regreted mine yet. I just know that if I want stability, I will have to head back to the States. I don´t know what to do...Dad warned me about this...if I was gone too long, it would a difficult decision to make. How in the world did a 5 month break turn into 2 and a half years?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Last days of work
So as the days grew closer and closer to the end, I knew it wasn´t the end. It was just a new beginning. As my friend, Corey´s mom, once told me- it is just another path we are taking, some of us will travel with us on the same path for a while and then might take another path of their own but we are all on our own special paths trying to find where we are heading. It is a journey but we are there for a reason and as we travel together we will find out who we are and who we will become.
Corey´s mom made such an impact on me...and so did my friends here in Spain. Corey, has left for Italy, thank goodness its only for a couple weeks. It gave me a bit of stability knowing that she was coming back. Christine, a great friend of mine that I have known for two years left last week. There was a mixup and it cost me not being able to say goodbye to her....I was furious. I knew I wouldnt see her for another year or two. I took an extra trip just to make sure I could say goodbye on a day that I was supposed to make up hours for the school but I checked with the teachers and quickly head into Malaga to say goodbye to her and Alex, her fiance. I spent a quick breakfast with them and headed back. I thought for sure I would cry, but didnt. I turned back to see her and Alex waving at me, and I knew....I would see them again. As much as I make Christine nervous, she told me that she wouldnt come back and live here forever without her girls, Corey and me. I dont know if its true...she would be happy here without us but the comment will stay in my heart forever.
Christine´s friend, Melissa had come over from Extramadura, a friend of hers from back home and we had realized we are quite alike. I enjoyed Melissa´s visits every time she came down. It was really hard seeing her go although technically I didnt say goodbye...face to face. It had to be done on email and sometimes life hands you a curve ball and you have to run with it. I hope to see her again...I will see her again...and when I do unite with Corey, Christine and Melissa again, it will be a memory that will never be forgotten.
My old roommate was from Denmark. Her name Sanne, she was amazing. The sweet, caring girl who always was a great listener was an amazing friend-kind of roommate. Her plans were to move out at the end of April but when tables were turned, the Argentian woman, Irene decided to move, we all ended up moving at the end of April. Sanne rented a place with her boyfriend in another part of town. I moved in with her Danish friends, Camila, Mette, and Anita, three amazing girls from Denmark. I didn´t see much of Sanne after that. It was crazy and time passed quickly. All of a sudden, it was time to say goodbye. We spent our last day on the beach-claro! It was fantastic. We took the boogie boards out into the meditterean...really cold but oh so much more fun on the boogie board. It wasnt like a goodbye-it was more like a Ill see you later...but I didnt know if it was really true.
Nandi, my co-worker, my friend, my closest gal pal who was by my side most of Spain (Oct 09-June 10) experience left as well. It was a hard decision and at last minute, she decided to go. We spent most of our time together in cafe´s, salsa clubs or on the paseo (me running and her on a bike encouraging me to run)...she was a strong character and of course we bumped heads alot but she was dependable. She walked 45 minutes to come to my apt just to do yoga with me because I was in so much pain from training. She rode a bike to pass me my aquarious-(the gatoraide of Spain) while I was running. She spent hours explaining about monkey balls-she studied them and did lab work on them...it was quite interesting and we loved our time at the Sandpiper discussing it. We also went to "study" at a bar to see Hannibal, the bartender. We went to the mezquita to have the best morrocan tea and to talk to Butt picker and Franco...Nandi was the best at nic names. I wont forget all of her silly nicnames for everyone here. It hasnt hit me yet although I went to the airport with her and knew she was really going. Its beginning to hurt.
I never got to say goodbye to some of the other americans in Fuengirola...time cut too short and some goodbyes are still happening but last week was too much for me. Today was my last day of school. A few of the children got me gifts which are totally ok to accept in Spain. I recieved a purse, a butterfly case to hold my jewelry and a necklace. The four year olds all gave me a hand colored page with "thanks Tracy" across the top. It was so cute that I thought for sure I would cry. I am sooooo sensitive. I didn´t. Wierd really...I did last year and I knew I was coming back but this year I know I am not and I didnt cry. I ran into one of the students at the supermarket. It was one of the most problematic students I have and he never does his work. I am always picking on him and telling him to work. His mother told me how much he talks about me and loves english class with me. It was shocking and when she told me this, I knew Milda, my best friend was right, when she told me that teaching does make a difference. I always wanted to be a nurse do to the fact I could see the difference I was making in everyday work. Teaching is harder to see that difference. You dont always see the differences that you make daily. I saw that students mother today again. She told me she organized a letter with students names and parents names on it to petition to the Spanish government to let me stay at the school one more year. It took me back really, I told her thanks but I knew it wouldnt do anything. I made a difference. I told all the students as I headed off that this wasnt goodbye, I would come back on the last day of school to say goodbye. Maybe thats why I didnt cry. Who knows.
I showed all 5th and 6th graders the cd I made for Carroll High School. I went back to my highschool last summer to encourage the students to travel to Spain and I showed pics of the students and all the festivals I celebrated in Spain- día de la paz, día de la mujer, día del juego, Carnaval, Navidad en Madrid, el año nuevo-noche vieja and more. So I decided to show them the cd powerpoint with photos of them in it. They all loved it. It was quite a long day and when I came home, we had another visitor. I dont have 3 roommates...i have much more than that. Camila has her friend Enya over and now Monica came for a week, friend of Mette...it is crazy and I love every second of it. Dennis was there cutting everyone´s hair. He is a friend of Camila´s and he gave us all a deal. I got my hair highlighted as well.
I headed off to a dinner which Ellena had made, another american in Fuengirola but she just moved to Malaga. So when Lacy, Tomas and I entered, we were late but it was worth it. An international dinner, there were people from China, Korea, Granada, France, Senegal, Venezuela and of course America-we were all joined together to eat. It reminded me of Alabama-all the dinners Milda and I put together for our international friends...feeding foreigner fridays....oh the memories. We never should be content in our lives because we never know if it will get better....and it has for me. I have grown up so much while here in europe. Passing through one country after another learning about cultures and food and languages has changed me forever. I found a boyfriend from Antequera, Spain and am very happy. I never thought I would find a boyfriend here...although I was looking for a bit. It came when I decided I was done looking. It always happens that way right? I was crushed, crying daily over a stupid guy that treated me like crap. Tomás found me in the moment of weakness and I learned quickly he is so different. I have never been treated so well before like the way he treats me.
Anyways, life is changing as always. My path is ahead of me but my friends have split off from mine. I sometimes stand on my path looking out to the four paths that broke from mine and I can see my friends continuing on their own paths walking away from me. Its a bit sad to see them go but I will keep them close to my heart and hopefully our paths will join again even if its just for a small period of time. Life is like that....
Corey´s mom made such an impact on me...and so did my friends here in Spain. Corey, has left for Italy, thank goodness its only for a couple weeks. It gave me a bit of stability knowing that she was coming back. Christine, a great friend of mine that I have known for two years left last week. There was a mixup and it cost me not being able to say goodbye to her....I was furious. I knew I wouldnt see her for another year or two. I took an extra trip just to make sure I could say goodbye on a day that I was supposed to make up hours for the school but I checked with the teachers and quickly head into Malaga to say goodbye to her and Alex, her fiance. I spent a quick breakfast with them and headed back. I thought for sure I would cry, but didnt. I turned back to see her and Alex waving at me, and I knew....I would see them again. As much as I make Christine nervous, she told me that she wouldnt come back and live here forever without her girls, Corey and me. I dont know if its true...she would be happy here without us but the comment will stay in my heart forever.
Christine´s friend, Melissa had come over from Extramadura, a friend of hers from back home and we had realized we are quite alike. I enjoyed Melissa´s visits every time she came down. It was really hard seeing her go although technically I didnt say goodbye...face to face. It had to be done on email and sometimes life hands you a curve ball and you have to run with it. I hope to see her again...I will see her again...and when I do unite with Corey, Christine and Melissa again, it will be a memory that will never be forgotten.
My old roommate was from Denmark. Her name Sanne, she was amazing. The sweet, caring girl who always was a great listener was an amazing friend-kind of roommate. Her plans were to move out at the end of April but when tables were turned, the Argentian woman, Irene decided to move, we all ended up moving at the end of April. Sanne rented a place with her boyfriend in another part of town. I moved in with her Danish friends, Camila, Mette, and Anita, three amazing girls from Denmark. I didn´t see much of Sanne after that. It was crazy and time passed quickly. All of a sudden, it was time to say goodbye. We spent our last day on the beach-claro! It was fantastic. We took the boogie boards out into the meditterean...really cold but oh so much more fun on the boogie board. It wasnt like a goodbye-it was more like a Ill see you later...but I didnt know if it was really true.
Nandi, my co-worker, my friend, my closest gal pal who was by my side most of Spain (Oct 09-June 10) experience left as well. It was a hard decision and at last minute, she decided to go. We spent most of our time together in cafe´s, salsa clubs or on the paseo (me running and her on a bike encouraging me to run)...she was a strong character and of course we bumped heads alot but she was dependable. She walked 45 minutes to come to my apt just to do yoga with me because I was in so much pain from training. She rode a bike to pass me my aquarious-(the gatoraide of Spain) while I was running. She spent hours explaining about monkey balls-she studied them and did lab work on them...it was quite interesting and we loved our time at the Sandpiper discussing it. We also went to "study" at a bar to see Hannibal, the bartender. We went to the mezquita to have the best morrocan tea and to talk to Butt picker and Franco...Nandi was the best at nic names. I wont forget all of her silly nicnames for everyone here. It hasnt hit me yet although I went to the airport with her and knew she was really going. Its beginning to hurt.
I never got to say goodbye to some of the other americans in Fuengirola...time cut too short and some goodbyes are still happening but last week was too much for me. Today was my last day of school. A few of the children got me gifts which are totally ok to accept in Spain. I recieved a purse, a butterfly case to hold my jewelry and a necklace. The four year olds all gave me a hand colored page with "thanks Tracy" across the top. It was so cute that I thought for sure I would cry. I am sooooo sensitive. I didn´t. Wierd really...I did last year and I knew I was coming back but this year I know I am not and I didnt cry. I ran into one of the students at the supermarket. It was one of the most problematic students I have and he never does his work. I am always picking on him and telling him to work. His mother told me how much he talks about me and loves english class with me. It was shocking and when she told me this, I knew Milda, my best friend was right, when she told me that teaching does make a difference. I always wanted to be a nurse do to the fact I could see the difference I was making in everyday work. Teaching is harder to see that difference. You dont always see the differences that you make daily. I saw that students mother today again. She told me she organized a letter with students names and parents names on it to petition to the Spanish government to let me stay at the school one more year. It took me back really, I told her thanks but I knew it wouldnt do anything. I made a difference. I told all the students as I headed off that this wasnt goodbye, I would come back on the last day of school to say goodbye. Maybe thats why I didnt cry. Who knows.
I showed all 5th and 6th graders the cd I made for Carroll High School. I went back to my highschool last summer to encourage the students to travel to Spain and I showed pics of the students and all the festivals I celebrated in Spain- día de la paz, día de la mujer, día del juego, Carnaval, Navidad en Madrid, el año nuevo-noche vieja and more. So I decided to show them the cd powerpoint with photos of them in it. They all loved it. It was quite a long day and when I came home, we had another visitor. I dont have 3 roommates...i have much more than that. Camila has her friend Enya over and now Monica came for a week, friend of Mette...it is crazy and I love every second of it. Dennis was there cutting everyone´s hair. He is a friend of Camila´s and he gave us all a deal. I got my hair highlighted as well.
I headed off to a dinner which Ellena had made, another american in Fuengirola but she just moved to Malaga. So when Lacy, Tomas and I entered, we were late but it was worth it. An international dinner, there were people from China, Korea, Granada, France, Senegal, Venezuela and of course America-we were all joined together to eat. It reminded me of Alabama-all the dinners Milda and I put together for our international friends...feeding foreigner fridays....oh the memories. We never should be content in our lives because we never know if it will get better....and it has for me. I have grown up so much while here in europe. Passing through one country after another learning about cultures and food and languages has changed me forever. I found a boyfriend from Antequera, Spain and am very happy. I never thought I would find a boyfriend here...although I was looking for a bit. It came when I decided I was done looking. It always happens that way right? I was crushed, crying daily over a stupid guy that treated me like crap. Tomás found me in the moment of weakness and I learned quickly he is so different. I have never been treated so well before like the way he treats me.
Anyways, life is changing as always. My path is ahead of me but my friends have split off from mine. I sometimes stand on my path looking out to the four paths that broke from mine and I can see my friends continuing on their own paths walking away from me. Its a bit sad to see them go but I will keep them close to my heart and hopefully our paths will join again even if its just for a small period of time. Life is like that....
MARATHON IN PRAGUE May 9th
I dont know how to start this. I thought of how and what I was going to say during the whole marathon. Now that Im writing it, I dont know where to start. I told myself that I had to think positively the whole time. So I told myself, there would be no pain until Kilometer 28. I didnt feel pain until Kilometer 33. It was amazing. I was smiling the entire time, until Kilometer 34. Then it got hard, really hard.
The beginning, I woke up from a dream of my swim coach, Matt Liddy, who recently passed away, telling me how to run the race. He told me that I was prepared to do this, to not start off too fast and to finish strong. It was wierd, it was exactly what I needed to hear and it was very comforting to hear it from him. I caught the train and started talking to another marathon runner, a guy from Czech named Mark, well that was his english name for me. I stayed with Mark and met two others-a Swedish couple. I met a couple of americans yesterday named Jessi and Margaret. When we lined up, I thought I would see them but i didnt. They started us off and a bunch of balloons were let go in the air. I was in the last group to leave so it took about 8 minutes to get to the starting line. When we did, I wasnt nervous..I knew I could do this. As we approached the start line, and everyone was chearing, that is when I started to tear up and get nervous. I heard it is an emotional experience and that it was.
We took off and in no time, I found the american girls who were trying to run it in 4.30. Jessi told me I was running way too fast and I would never finish if I was going out that fast. So I slowed down. I ran the first 14 kilometers without any problems. There was plenty of bananas and lemonaide to keep me hydrated. They even had sponges which helped with the heat. It was 60 degrees with the sun shining and it went up to 65 but it was hot. There were cheerleaders and bands and lots of people screaming to keep us going. I couldnt understand anyone. My music kept me going and when I heard any english, I was super excited. I tried to make eye contact with the people cheering us on. They were sitting out there eating, drinking, and waiting like a parade. It was painful to watch sometimes. One group actually had a sign up that said BEER STOP. I read it out loud and then it caught the groups attention. Then i said that is so wrong...and I heard em laughing. Each person that gave me a high five or a nod like YES you can do this...gave me hope and inspiration. I was good to go when I caught up with Jessi who told me she ate too much and thought she was going to be sick. I knew I was behind my schedule when I reached the half. I was at 2:18 instead of 2:10. I did stop for the bathroom though which I had to wait in line for but it took five minutes or so.
I picked up my pace and only thought of the next 7K. I wouldnt allow myself to think of anything but the next 7K. It helped me alot. There were times where I pictured Camila and Mette running along side of me or Will or Cristina-the ones that ran with me while training. Then i thought of a bunch of my OHIO friends cheering me on, the ones that ran a marathon before-Ananda screaming out...You got this girl..I did it and you can too. After 33, I hadnt run more than that in practice and i knew it would get harder. The time it took between 34 and 35 was an eternity. It was only at 35 where I could allow myself to think about the finish. It is when it really hurt and the thought of beating my sister came into my head. Dawn ran a marathon in a great time. She did so awesome that i didnt think of beating her but then she wrote an emotional email to me and brought up how we were always competitive and how I never let her win. That did it. She brought the competitive edge out that has been dead and buried for years now. The last painful 7 kilometers I was hurting, aching with knee pain and hip pain and everytime i started walking, my competitive edge would yell at me for walking. You think u can achieve this with no pain...well forget it, cry after, now is the time to run. I would be sooo close that I couldnt walk at all. When I hit 40 and the people started cheering, I started to run hard, I would call it sprinting but I was running slow...harder than i had run the whole race. When I turned the last corner and was heading back into the city, I heard all the cries and screams of the people. Tears filled my eyes and I knew I had done it. I had dreampt a challenging dream that I never thought I would carry out and finish and I had done it...finished it. I had ran a marathon in the country where my ancestors had come from. Not only did i do it, but I did it by myself. I came to Prague and ran by myself. I wanted to celebrate with someone but it wasnt in the cards this time around. Maybe next time. I was sooo proud of myself.
Now the feeling of finishing this thing was amazing but I came in at 4:54 and my sisters time was 4:53. I gasped as I sprinted through the finish line but then I remembered I didnt start at 9:00. I was delayed. Dawn, hearing the news told me that she was now going to have to beat me and would be running another marathon in October. Huh. Bring it on...I never wanted to do this again but if she beats my time, I WILL compete in another, now that i know i can do this. Dawn, you did this...this competive edge, you started this. I decided to do a half in Cordoba in June...it may be more challenging than the full because it is sooooo hot there.
I went into the health tent to get my knee wrapped, it was way swollen although it didnt hurt much. After sitting down for 5 minutes, I got super dizzy and almost fainted. Its a normal thing when I run so much. Then the nurses took my blood sugar and blood pressure. My BP was a little low 100 over 60-nothing to worry about. I ate something, stayed for 25 more minutes and then left, feeling much better. It was a different experience when they were all trying to talk to me in czech. I didnt stop them till they finished then i told them i dont speak czech and they would have to find a translater. The two guys that did come to help me felt really important and proud, I could see it on thier faces. I then went over and got a free massage-I picked the wrong line. I ended up with two blind guys-not normally a problem but when they dont speak ur language and they cant read my body language, it was kind of hard to communicate. It wasnt very good. oh well. Then i went and got my metal engraved. 4 hours 45 min.
Afterwards, I was on such a high, I walked home. It was a 20 minute walk and I could have caught the trolley...it was free for all marathon runners. It wasnt worth standing around if I didnt know anyone. Its hard to celebrate too when I dont know anyone. i heard there was volcanic ash causing more havic with flights but I will be pissed if it blocks me from going home. I want my hot weather...I want to go to the beach and I miss my students. i am having an awesome time though. I spent all day today stretching, hurting, watching tv and waiting for the pain to go away. Its not as bad as after my triatholon 5years ago, i did it without preparing for it at all-duh I was sore after that one. My knees are good...I just have really sore calves and quads. I didnt take many photos, i wish i could have but i was more concerned with finishing. There were some funny things i saw on that race...a guy dressed up like a playboy bunny, a couple from Korea with a huge sign attached to their backs that said We are traveling around the country to tell u about Korea. Also, a guy with an embrella on his head, he made me smile everytime I saw him. We ran alongside each other 3 times, we made a loop so I was able to see the people that were ahead of me and behind. I even caught up with Mark who ran with me for a bit but he wanted to chat and I couldnt...had to listen to my music that kept me going. There was this english guy on the last 5kilometers that was really encouraging...never saw him again though...wish i could have thanked him. I kept walking and letting people pass and then running again, passing them. There were over 7000 runners and i came in 4126.Pretty good for my first time I think.
10K 1:03.40
20K 2:10.21
HALF 2:18.19
30K 3:18.46
40K 4:31.27
Finish of 42K 4:45.01
TRACY
The beginning, I woke up from a dream of my swim coach, Matt Liddy, who recently passed away, telling me how to run the race. He told me that I was prepared to do this, to not start off too fast and to finish strong. It was wierd, it was exactly what I needed to hear and it was very comforting to hear it from him. I caught the train and started talking to another marathon runner, a guy from Czech named Mark, well that was his english name for me. I stayed with Mark and met two others-a Swedish couple. I met a couple of americans yesterday named Jessi and Margaret. When we lined up, I thought I would see them but i didnt. They started us off and a bunch of balloons were let go in the air. I was in the last group to leave so it took about 8 minutes to get to the starting line. When we did, I wasnt nervous..I knew I could do this. As we approached the start line, and everyone was chearing, that is when I started to tear up and get nervous. I heard it is an emotional experience and that it was.
We took off and in no time, I found the american girls who were trying to run it in 4.30. Jessi told me I was running way too fast and I would never finish if I was going out that fast. So I slowed down. I ran the first 14 kilometers without any problems. There was plenty of bananas and lemonaide to keep me hydrated. They even had sponges which helped with the heat. It was 60 degrees with the sun shining and it went up to 65 but it was hot. There were cheerleaders and bands and lots of people screaming to keep us going. I couldnt understand anyone. My music kept me going and when I heard any english, I was super excited. I tried to make eye contact with the people cheering us on. They were sitting out there eating, drinking, and waiting like a parade. It was painful to watch sometimes. One group actually had a sign up that said BEER STOP. I read it out loud and then it caught the groups attention. Then i said that is so wrong...and I heard em laughing. Each person that gave me a high five or a nod like YES you can do this...gave me hope and inspiration. I was good to go when I caught up with Jessi who told me she ate too much and thought she was going to be sick. I knew I was behind my schedule when I reached the half. I was at 2:18 instead of 2:10. I did stop for the bathroom though which I had to wait in line for but it took five minutes or so.
I picked up my pace and only thought of the next 7K. I wouldnt allow myself to think of anything but the next 7K. It helped me alot. There were times where I pictured Camila and Mette running along side of me or Will or Cristina-the ones that ran with me while training. Then i thought of a bunch of my OHIO friends cheering me on, the ones that ran a marathon before-Ananda screaming out...You got this girl..I did it and you can too. After 33, I hadnt run more than that in practice and i knew it would get harder. The time it took between 34 and 35 was an eternity. It was only at 35 where I could allow myself to think about the finish. It is when it really hurt and the thought of beating my sister came into my head. Dawn ran a marathon in a great time. She did so awesome that i didnt think of beating her but then she wrote an emotional email to me and brought up how we were always competitive and how I never let her win. That did it. She brought the competitive edge out that has been dead and buried for years now. The last painful 7 kilometers I was hurting, aching with knee pain and hip pain and everytime i started walking, my competitive edge would yell at me for walking. You think u can achieve this with no pain...well forget it, cry after, now is the time to run. I would be sooo close that I couldnt walk at all. When I hit 40 and the people started cheering, I started to run hard, I would call it sprinting but I was running slow...harder than i had run the whole race. When I turned the last corner and was heading back into the city, I heard all the cries and screams of the people. Tears filled my eyes and I knew I had done it. I had dreampt a challenging dream that I never thought I would carry out and finish and I had done it...finished it. I had ran a marathon in the country where my ancestors had come from. Not only did i do it, but I did it by myself. I came to Prague and ran by myself. I wanted to celebrate with someone but it wasnt in the cards this time around. Maybe next time. I was sooo proud of myself.
Now the feeling of finishing this thing was amazing but I came in at 4:54 and my sisters time was 4:53. I gasped as I sprinted through the finish line but then I remembered I didnt start at 9:00. I was delayed. Dawn, hearing the news told me that she was now going to have to beat me and would be running another marathon in October. Huh. Bring it on...I never wanted to do this again but if she beats my time, I WILL compete in another, now that i know i can do this. Dawn, you did this...this competive edge, you started this. I decided to do a half in Cordoba in June...it may be more challenging than the full because it is sooooo hot there.
I went into the health tent to get my knee wrapped, it was way swollen although it didnt hurt much. After sitting down for 5 minutes, I got super dizzy and almost fainted. Its a normal thing when I run so much. Then the nurses took my blood sugar and blood pressure. My BP was a little low 100 over 60-nothing to worry about. I ate something, stayed for 25 more minutes and then left, feeling much better. It was a different experience when they were all trying to talk to me in czech. I didnt stop them till they finished then i told them i dont speak czech and they would have to find a translater. The two guys that did come to help me felt really important and proud, I could see it on thier faces. I then went over and got a free massage-I picked the wrong line. I ended up with two blind guys-not normally a problem but when they dont speak ur language and they cant read my body language, it was kind of hard to communicate. It wasnt very good. oh well. Then i went and got my metal engraved. 4 hours 45 min.
Afterwards, I was on such a high, I walked home. It was a 20 minute walk and I could have caught the trolley...it was free for all marathon runners. It wasnt worth standing around if I didnt know anyone. Its hard to celebrate too when I dont know anyone. i heard there was volcanic ash causing more havic with flights but I will be pissed if it blocks me from going home. I want my hot weather...I want to go to the beach and I miss my students. i am having an awesome time though. I spent all day today stretching, hurting, watching tv and waiting for the pain to go away. Its not as bad as after my triatholon 5years ago, i did it without preparing for it at all-duh I was sore after that one. My knees are good...I just have really sore calves and quads. I didnt take many photos, i wish i could have but i was more concerned with finishing. There were some funny things i saw on that race...a guy dressed up like a playboy bunny, a couple from Korea with a huge sign attached to their backs that said We are traveling around the country to tell u about Korea. Also, a guy with an embrella on his head, he made me smile everytime I saw him. We ran alongside each other 3 times, we made a loop so I was able to see the people that were ahead of me and behind. I even caught up with Mark who ran with me for a bit but he wanted to chat and I couldnt...had to listen to my music that kept me going. There was this english guy on the last 5kilometers that was really encouraging...never saw him again though...wish i could have thanked him. I kept walking and letting people pass and then running again, passing them. There were over 7000 runners and i came in 4126.Pretty good for my first time I think.
10K 1:03.40
20K 2:10.21
HALF 2:18.19
30K 3:18.46
40K 4:31.27
Finish of 42K 4:45.01
TRACY
Running in Prague May 8
I never thought I would run a marathon. When my sister Dawn had done it, I thought what a psycotic thought. She lost tons of weight from training and that did motivate me but I never thought to do it. Three years later, I found myself doing it. I met Cristine who told me how exciting it was to run a marathon abroad. She ran one in Ireland and also in Spain. When she told me this year she would be going to Prague, Czech Republic, I told her i was in. I never expected myself to follow through though. I started running my normal 20 minute run and thought how in the world would I be able to do this for five hours and a half....there is just no way.
I signed up for it on December 31st in the locotorio, the last day to sign up for it at the price of 60 euros. Otherwise, it would be 80 euros. Training took place on the paseo, next to the meditterean sea. I was supposed to run hills too but I could never pull myself away from the beautiful sight of the sea. I trained my long runs with Cristine in Malaga every weekend which was a lot easier to run because I was running with someone instead of by myself. A month before the marathon she told me she couldnt go due to funds and my confidence fell along with my desire to do it. No tenia ganas nada mas. I had a hard desicion to make...to go through with this alone or not do it. What would I regret if I did or didnt do? I had to do this. I cried through my doubts in my boyfriends arms and he kept shaking his head and saying...just dont do it then if you are so worried. I never quit..I cant just leave something and not do it when I ve been training for so long and giving up so much. I gave up salsa and going out alot, drinking socially and much more. So I bought an expensive ticket and found a place to stay through couchsurfing and put on a brave face.
I headed out to the country of my ancesters and when I got here, my confidence dropped again. It was rainy and 50 F cold. My couchsurfer dropped me off at her house at 6pm and said she needed to attend to some business...aka wanted to go out for a beer and speak her own language. I can accept that. I went to facebook and found support from Nandi, Cristine, Tomas, Amanda and Dawn. They talked to me and reassured me that I still could do this although it would rain all day and be 55F only. My self esteem slowly climbed back up. I found an american girl Jenna who is doing the same program as me who was on vacation inPrague the same time as me...a friend of mine, thanks Cat, put me in contact with her. I met her the next day and we went on a free walking tour that took us around the Jewish area, the center and near the castle. It lasted 3 hours. It was awesome...we tipped big...it was an american guide trying to make it...in Prague..we knew how that was. The culture here is amazing and there are parts of this wonderful city that reminds me of Germany, Lithuania and Switerland. Its beautiful.
Afterwards, we went to the castle and explored the beautiful Cathedral. It started to rain so we went into a museum about a family who lost their inheritance during the Wars from the Nazis. They got it all back and have a number of castles and thousands of paintings and historical momentos now in museums. It made me want to look up my family...but we dont have any family here in Prague..they are up north and south of here. Another time I guess.
So I went out today to run my last practice run. My crazy visions and dreams of finally running here in Prague is actually coming true. I ran with a huge smile on my face and when people passed me, i know they were thinking OH, there goes one of the marathon runners. Thats what Iam..a marathon runner. It was so exciting I couldnt stop smiling. Before my run, i went to the Marathon Expo and picked up my number F1006. There are over 7000 runners, 3000 from Prague and 4000 internationals. I bought an american flag tatoo and a 1st time marathon runner tatoo to wear in two days. I am ready and excited. Will head to the expo tomorrow for a pasta party. I didnt see too many americans there...maybe i will run into a few later. There is a party for us afterwards too. I got my bag and tshirt. You can track my run on live.praguemarathon.com
I signed up for it on December 31st in the locotorio, the last day to sign up for it at the price of 60 euros. Otherwise, it would be 80 euros. Training took place on the paseo, next to the meditterean sea. I was supposed to run hills too but I could never pull myself away from the beautiful sight of the sea. I trained my long runs with Cristine in Malaga every weekend which was a lot easier to run because I was running with someone instead of by myself. A month before the marathon she told me she couldnt go due to funds and my confidence fell along with my desire to do it. No tenia ganas nada mas. I had a hard desicion to make...to go through with this alone or not do it. What would I regret if I did or didnt do? I had to do this. I cried through my doubts in my boyfriends arms and he kept shaking his head and saying...just dont do it then if you are so worried. I never quit..I cant just leave something and not do it when I ve been training for so long and giving up so much. I gave up salsa and going out alot, drinking socially and much more. So I bought an expensive ticket and found a place to stay through couchsurfing and put on a brave face.
I headed out to the country of my ancesters and when I got here, my confidence dropped again. It was rainy and 50 F cold. My couchsurfer dropped me off at her house at 6pm and said she needed to attend to some business...aka wanted to go out for a beer and speak her own language. I can accept that. I went to facebook and found support from Nandi, Cristine, Tomas, Amanda and Dawn. They talked to me and reassured me that I still could do this although it would rain all day and be 55F only. My self esteem slowly climbed back up. I found an american girl Jenna who is doing the same program as me who was on vacation inPrague the same time as me...a friend of mine, thanks Cat, put me in contact with her. I met her the next day and we went on a free walking tour that took us around the Jewish area, the center and near the castle. It lasted 3 hours. It was awesome...we tipped big...it was an american guide trying to make it...in Prague..we knew how that was. The culture here is amazing and there are parts of this wonderful city that reminds me of Germany, Lithuania and Switerland. Its beautiful.
Afterwards, we went to the castle and explored the beautiful Cathedral. It started to rain so we went into a museum about a family who lost their inheritance during the Wars from the Nazis. They got it all back and have a number of castles and thousands of paintings and historical momentos now in museums. It made me want to look up my family...but we dont have any family here in Prague..they are up north and south of here. Another time I guess.
So I went out today to run my last practice run. My crazy visions and dreams of finally running here in Prague is actually coming true. I ran with a huge smile on my face and when people passed me, i know they were thinking OH, there goes one of the marathon runners. Thats what Iam..a marathon runner. It was so exciting I couldnt stop smiling. Before my run, i went to the Marathon Expo and picked up my number F1006. There are over 7000 runners, 3000 from Prague and 4000 internationals. I bought an american flag tatoo and a 1st time marathon runner tatoo to wear in two days. I am ready and excited. Will head to the expo tomorrow for a pasta party. I didnt see too many americans there...maybe i will run into a few later. There is a party for us afterwards too. I got my bag and tshirt. You can track my run on live.praguemarathon.com
Marathon May 8
I have ran through the sun, wind and cold but not the rain...and what is the weather like in Prague? It will be raining...good, fantastic! Im already nervous as it is...Oh well. My friend, Amanda told me its 80% mental...so I hope I will be mentally ready by Sunday. This training brought me back into focus on thinking positively, got me out of a funk with a stupid boy and helped me get fit. I have been running since October and signed up in December after my injury. I realized how different running is from swimming and how to train properly (although I didnt follow all the recommendations).
I should have stretched more, ran longer, ran in the rain, done more strength building and ate better but ready or not, here I go. Im heading to Madrid tomorrow and then to Prague. Im staying with a couchsurfer named Eliska who is from Prague. I am so excited to see the city and nervous to run the marathon. I am afraid of the pain in my ankles, my knees especially and my hips (which start to hurt after 4 hours). i want to enjoy myself as well but at the same time, I want to stay focused. I think this is the hardest training Ive put my body through...my joints are killing me! Swimming was better on the body...I will have to swim more in the sea when I come home. The beach will be calling my name when I get home. All right, thatś it then..Prague here i come!
I should have stretched more, ran longer, ran in the rain, done more strength building and ate better but ready or not, here I go. Im heading to Madrid tomorrow and then to Prague. Im staying with a couchsurfer named Eliska who is from Prague. I am so excited to see the city and nervous to run the marathon. I am afraid of the pain in my ankles, my knees especially and my hips (which start to hurt after 4 hours). i want to enjoy myself as well but at the same time, I want to stay focused. I think this is the hardest training Ive put my body through...my joints are killing me! Swimming was better on the body...I will have to swim more in the sea when I come home. The beach will be calling my name when I get home. All right, thatś it then..Prague here i come!
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